GC-FID Method Note – Phenols (EPA 604)
Analysis of Phenols (US EPA Method 604) in the miniGC
Introduction
Phenols or phenolic compounds are toxic compounds that are found in bodies of water that originate from industrial pollution as well as natural decomposition of animal and plant materials.
Reference Method
(https://www.restek.com/en/pages/chromatogram-view/GC_CF01131)
| Column | MXT-5, 30 m, 0.28 mm ID, 0.25 µm |
| Sample | 604 Phenols Calibration Mix (Restek PN: 31029) |
| Conc. | 25 ng/uL per compound |
| Injection | |
| Inj. Vol.: | 1.0 uL splitless injection |
| Liner: | |
| Inj. Temp.: | 280°C |
| Oven | |
| Oven Temp.: | Ramp from 40°C to 250°C at 10°C/min |
| Carrier Gas | H2, constant pressure |
| Linear Velocity: | 50 cm/sec @ 40°C |
| Detector | FID @ 300°C |
| Instrument |
Reference Standard
604 Phenols Calibration Mix (Restek PN: 31029)
- Phenol
- 2-Chlorophenol
- 2-Nitrophenol
- 2,4-Dimethylphenol
- 2,4-Dichlorophenol
- 4-Chloro-3-methylphenol
- 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol
- 2,4-Dinitrophenol
- 4-Nitrophenol
- 2-Methyl-4,6-dinitrophenol
- Pentachlorophenol
2,000 ug/mL of each compound in methanol
Reference Chromatogram
Peaks:
- Phenol
- 2-Chlorophenol
- 2-Nitrophenol
- 2,4-Dimethylphenol
- 2,4-Dichlorophenol
- 4-Chloro-3-methylphenol
- 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol
- 2,4-Dinitrophenol
- 4-Nitrophenol
- 2-Methyl-4,6-dinitrophenol
- Pentachlorophenol
miniGC Method
| Column | MXT-5, 30 m, 0.25 mm ID, 0.25 µm (Restek PN: 70223-LUC25) |
| Sample | 604 Phenols Calibration Mix (Restek PN: 31029) |
| Injection | |
| Inj. Vol.: | 1.0 µL split injection (split ratio 40:1) |
| Liner: | 4 mm low pressure drop precision inlet liner w/ wool (Restek PN: 23309) |
| Inj. Temp.: | 250°C |
| Oven | |
| Oven Temp.: | Hold at 50°C for 4 min Ramp to 250°C @ 5°C/min |
| Carrier Gas | He, constant velocity |
| Linear Velocity: | 39.9 cm/sec, 1.90 mL/min |
| Detector | FID @ 250°C |
| Instrument | Lucidity miniGC |
miniGC Chromatograms
Results
This was a very quick experiment to see how closely we could replicate the chromatogram produced on a traditional GC by injecting a standard into the miniGC and comparing the chromatogram to the same chromatogram produced on the traditional GC using the same standard and roughly the same method and column. We used a slightly different method and column for convenience sake, but overall the chromatograms looked very similar for the two systems compared, which is a success. Further experiments are planned.
More results from the miniGC can be found here: https://luciditysystems.com/products/minigc/minigc-results/
More information on the miniGC can be found here: https://luciditysystems.com/products/minigc/
To see the miniGC in operation go here: https://luciditysystems.com/products/minigc/minigc-interface/